Boss: Barkley Goal First Of Many

The delight was shared by joyous Evertonians. As Ross Barkley slid on his knees to celebrate his first Goodison goal, all four sides of the Blues' famous old ground were just as thrilled as the teenager himself.

Latching on to Romelu Lukaku’s perfectly-weighted pass in the 25th minute, the midfielder took the ball in his stride and confidently finished past Tim Krul to send the Toffees on their way to victory over Newcastle.

It was the realisation of a boyhood dream for Barkley and the Blues supporters inside Goodison knew just how much it meant to the England international.

Roberto Martinez, watching on from the touchline, described it as a ‘special’ moment – and also declared it as a sight all fans will get used to witnessing.

Barkley has now netted twice this season – following on from his opening day strike at Norwich – and Martinez believes the midfielder will continue to add goals to his ever-improving game.

“Without doubt,” was Martinez’s answer when asked whether the 19-year-old’s maiden Goodison strike will be the first of many.

“You are looking at the way he is growing game-by-game, he is becoming stronger and bigger. He has a terrific understanding of the game at such a young age.

“It’s really pleasing and nobody deserved the goal more than Ross because of the work that he has put in in the previous five games.

“It was a special moment. Ross is a young diamond of English football. There is a long way to go, but he knows that. He wants to work so hard and that is a pleasure to see.

“I’m so pleased for him. To hit the back of the net for the first time at Goodison is going to be a special memory.”

Can Barkley net in a second successive Goodison game? Be at the Blues' next home match to find out.

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